Thursday, 5 March 2026
Among Romania’s regional office markets, companies leased the largest amount of space in Cluj-Napoca, which accounted for approximately 43% of the total office space contracted outside the capital, according to full-year 2025 data from a study conducted by Fortim Trusted Advisors, a member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate alliance.
Timisoara ranked second among regional cities, followed by Iași, which took third place.
The evolution of the Cluj-Napoca office market in 2025 follows an exceptional year in 2024, when the volume of leasing transactions reached a significantly higher level. Nevertheless, the leasing activity recorded in 2025 remains in line with the average level of the past five years.
“Cluj-Napoca continues to be the most attractive regional market for companies due to its stable economic environment, highly skilled workforce and modern office stock. Although the total transaction volume has adjusted compared to the peak recorded in 2024, the level of new leases indicates that there is still genuine demand and strategic expansion decisions for the medium and long term,” estimates Nicolae Ciobanu, Managing Partner – Head of Advisory at Fortim Trusted Advisors, an alliance member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate.
In 2025, compared with previous years, the difference in leased office space between the leading regional cities narrowed. Timisoara moved into second place, accounting for 30% of the total transaction volume, an increase compared with the previous year, further consolidating its position in the ranking.
Over the past five years, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Iasi have consistently ranked among the top three regional office hubs, although their order has varied from year to year. This dynamic has been influenced both by changes in tenant demand and by the pace of new office building deliveries in each market.
Bucharest’s office leasing market remains almost three times larger
Regional cities recorded a total transaction volume of 60,248 sqm, which is about three times lower than in Bucharest, yet still significant in the context of the consolidation of local office markets.
Despite the considerable difference in volume, regional cities offer several competitive advantages, including lower operating costs, more affordable rents and access to a qualified workforce. In addition, ongoing infrastructure development and investments in modern office projects are increasing the attractiveness of these markets for companies seeking to diversify their national presence.
While Bucharest continues to concentrate most of the office demand, regional hubs are strengthening their role as viable alternatives, particularly for companies focused on operational efficiency and cost optimization.
“For 2026, we expect regional office markets to remain stable, supported by steady demand from major university cities that have established themselves as IT and outsourcing hubs. In the context of limited new project deliveries, the occupancy rate of modern office buildings could remain high, while companies continue to assess expansion or optimization of existing office space in cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Iasi. At the same time, we are seeing growing interest from operators in the medical sector in converting certain office buildings into clinics or medical centers,” added Nicolae Ciobanu.
